ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting Beijing today (Tuesday) at the invitation of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The visit comes immediately after Dar hosted the foreign ministers of Turkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia on Sunday which sought ways and means to end hostilities in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy.
“The upcoming visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to hold in-depth discussions on regional developments, as well as bilateral and global issues of mutual interest,” announced the Foreign Office.
Pakistan and China enjoy an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, characterised by close coordination and regular consultations on regional and international issues. In a statement on Sunday, Dar had pointed out that China had extended full support to Islamabad’s initiative to host representatives from Iran and the United States which would go a long way to end the month long conflict.
Pakistan has kept China in the loop as it intensifies efforts to bring the warring parties to the table in Islamabad, and this was evident when Dar said on Sunday, “Let me also share with you that I had a detailed telephonic conversation with the foreign ministers of China and Iran as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagement. The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi fully supports Pakistan’s initiative to host Iran-US talks.”
The foreign minister’s visit to China, despite medical advice to rest following his hairline shoulder fracture on Sunday, is evidence of the importance placed by Pakistan on its relations with China, added the Foreign Office.
Wang Yi in a telephone call earlier with Dar on Friday, according to the Chinese Foreign Office, had said that “initiating peace talks is no easy task, but it is the only viable path to avoid further casualties and losses. It would be conducive to restoring normal navigation through the Straits of Hormuz.”
On Monday the issue was raised at the Foreign Office in Beijing on the eve of the visit of Foreign Minister Dar. The spokesperson responded, “On China’s position on the possibility of the parties involved in the Middle East conflict holding talks, as Pakistan’s foreign minister said that both Washington and Tehran have expressed confidence in Pakistan to facilitate potential talks. China supports all efforts conducive to de-escalating the situation and restoring dialogue, and calls on all parties to start the peace talks process as soon as possible.”
The spokesperson further said that China appreciates Pakistan’s efforts in promoting the easing of the situation. “China supports Pakistan in continuing to play its role as a mediator, and are willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Pakistan and other relevant parties to jointly promote peace and cease war, and safeguard regional peace and stability.”
Earlier this month both the foreign ministers in a telephone conversation according to the Chinese Foreign Office had agreed to jointly promote a ceasefire, cessation of hostilities, and the resumption of peace talks, while ensuring the safety of non-military targets and key waterways.
